What is significant about Phillip Island?
The social history of Phillip Island dates back over 40,000 years to the Bunurong people, the original inhabitants of the Western Port region. This island paradise of abundant wildlife and picturesque bays attracted European settlement and a thriving fur seal trade in the early 1800s.
What was Phillip Island named after?
Captain Arthur Phillip
Visited in 1798 by the English explorer George Bass, it was originally called Snapper Island and then Grant Island, after Lieutenant James Grant, who landed there in 1801, and was renamed in honour of Captain Arthur Phillip, first governor of New South Wales.
When was the bridge to Phillip Island built?
Phillip Island is a haven for wildlife lovers and a popular place for tourists to visit during their time in Australia. The island itself is connected to mainland Victoria by the San Remo bridge which was opened in 1971.
How long has Phillip Island been a community for?
Tourism began on Phillip Island soon after opening up for closer settlement in 1868-69.
How long is the bridge from San Remo to Phillip Island?
2,100 ft
A 640 m (2,100 ft) concrete bridge (originally a wooden bridge) connects the mainland town San Remo with the island town Newhaven.
Is French island inhabited?
French Island has a permanent population of about 110 people and a part-time population of around 100. With no road link to the mainland residents must be largely self-sufficient and have a keen understanding of water and electricity use, since they are responsible for both.
Is Phillip Island sinking?
Sea level is rising around the world, and the Island will be affected, as will other parts of Westernport. The bay has been sinking for many years, a factor which obviously exacerbates the situation.
What is the summerlands buyback?
In 1985, the Victorian government announced that it would purchase all 774 allotments on the Summerland Peninsula to protect the penguin colony, setting up the “Summerland Estate Buy-Back Programme”. The programme had a projected end date of 2000, with the land to be added to the Phillip Island Nature Park.
